The Lords of the Wild

by Joseph Alexander Altsheler

A classic coming-of-age novel set in the midst of the French and Indian War

In the wilderness of the Northeast, Robert Lennox’s life is staked on how well he can evade the fierce Tandakora and his persistent warriors. Attuned to every sound and movement in the forest, he follows birds and hides his tracks in bubbling brooks en route to joining up with his friends Tayoga, an Onondaga warrior, and David Willet, a skilled hunter. Two forces compete in Robert’s mind: a deep reverence for the beauty of the natural world, and an entrenched unease over ever-lurking danger.
 
First published in 1919, The Lords of the Wild is a heralded entry in Joseph A. Altsheler’s French and Indian War Series, which follows the exploits of young Robert Lennox and his friends as they are embroiled in one of the most tumultuous conflicts of American colonial history.
 
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Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Classics

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1919

About the author

Joseph Alexander Altsheler was an American newspaper reporter, editor and author of popular juvenile historical fiction. He was a prolific writer, and produced fifty-one novels and at least fifty-three short stories. Thirty-two of his novels were part of his seven series:

The Civil War Series (8 volumes)
The French and Indian War Series (6 volumes)
The Gold Series (2 volumes)
The Great West Series (2 volumes)
The Texan Series (3 volumes)
The World War Series (3 volumes)
The Young Trailers Series (8 volumes)

Although each of the thirty-two novels constitutes an independent story, Altsheler suggested a reading order for each series (i.e., he numbered the volumes). The remaining nineteen novels can be read in any order. [Note, however, that A Knight of Philadelphia was later expanded through the addition of nineteen chapters and some minor tweaks to become Mr. Altsheler's novel In Hostile Red.]

The short stories, of course, can be read in any order. However, some readers might prefer to read them in the order in which they were published. The short story list below is displayed in chronological order with the publication dates shown alongside the titles.

Reviews

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the border as well as elsewhere it was always wise, when one did not know what to do, to do nothing.

Fifth in Altsheler’s six-book French and Indian War series. The 1758 British defeat at Fort Carillon was worse than Braddock’s, yet unmentioned in most histories. Why, because of Montcalm died on year later losing Quebec. Altsheler weaves that historic event into his series about super-capable frontiersmen and natives—superheroes set on the colonial American frontier.

“If any human being could come under such circumstances and bring Grosvenor with him, it is [redacted]. I think sometimes that the Onondaga is superhuman in the forest.”

James Fenimore Cooper Altsheler is not. Not only do his main characters display woodlore and fighting skills beyond normal, but border on archetypes for the good and bad. Perhaps reflecting its being published in 1919, the book presents the French and their allies as capable of just as much nobility (or not) of spirit the British and colonials.

“It’s time for Manitou to send a heavy mist that we may escape in it.” “Manitou can work miracles for those whom he favors, and now and then he sends them, but oftenest he withholds his hand, lest we become spoiled and rely upon him when we should rely upon ourselves.”

Slow and repetitive. A lot of telling you what he’s going to tell and has told. Occasional lapses in geography, which will knock even casual readers out of the spell of the story, such as, “The sun still hung over the eastern shores, red and blazing, but before long it went down, seeming to sink into the lake.” Altsheler recognizes the manifestation and influence of native spirits, though neither French nor English are portrayed as believers of much of anything. (The cover art has nothing to do with the story.) Still, good, clean fun on the frontier.

“Then I’m glad they’ll desert for a while. They’re the eyes and ears of the French. That will leave our own scouts and forest runners the lords of the wild, though it seems to me, Tayoga, that you’re the true and veritable lord of the wild.”

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this is definitely a boy's book! Not a single female character. However, you wouldn't really expect there to be, given that it's a tale of the French and Indian War, set in the wilderness around New York State's Lake George, and ending in the battle of Ticonderoga. The action all takes place within the space of about a week. This was one of the last books that Altsheler, a veteran of World War I, wrote, in 1919, and you can tell that he saw the thick of battle from the descriptions of the battle at Ticonderoga. I felt like I was there! I loved his descriptions of the wilderness, and I liked the close friendship of the three main characters in the story. Tayoga, the expert tracker, was an interesting character for his ability to hear so keenly what others couldn't. My favorite character, though, was a minor one--Elihu Strong, commander of the British forces, who provided some comic relief with his constant harping on how deficient the Government of Massachusetts was.

While the book can stand alone, it is actually the fifth book in a series on the French and Indian War. Had I realized that, I would have endeavored to get the first book in the series, as I hate reading them out of order. Throughout the book references were made to events that obviously happened in previous books, which was a bit disconcerting. Happily, these books are available online as free ebooks, as well as in inexpensive paperback, so I may buy the whole series.

Highly recommended for those who like a good historical novel, war story, or adventure story, or who are interested in the early history of New York State.

[Skip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superheroes of the wilderness

This is thrilling adventure of 18th century scouts using their sensory skills to survive in the early American wilderness.I was captivated by their narrow escapes,due mostly to the super acute hearing of the Native American.And I enjoyed the writing style of the author,thus a 4 star rating.

[George Polansky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novel of the French and Indian War. Interesting and entertaining.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a very enjoyable tale of a boy who was a slave, who became a warlord, and who helped topple an empire.

[Deba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended for those who like a good historical novel, war story, or adventure story, or who are interested in the early history of New York State. You will enjoy the adventure, as young Robert Lennox, along with his Onondaga friend Tayoga, and hunter David Willett, try to escape capture by the French and their Indian allies, making their way south along Lake George in the wilds of New York State to warn the British forces of impending attack.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A switch to a historical fiction was just what my tired brain needed. It reminded me of the love of American History that Jolly Ollie instilled in me. I find it amazing that so little of our history is even taught in schools today and of what is taught so little is factual.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy all of this author's books. Early America, Civil War, and WWI. All action packed and easy to read.